Postdoctoral Appointee - Autonomous SAXS Beamline

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory's X-ray Science Division seeks a Postdoctoral Appointee to advance autonomous experimentation at the SAXS beamline, focusing on wet-solution processes and closed-loop workflows.

The role entails designing, implementing, and operating experiments, analyzing data, and publishing results in collaboration with APS staff and division scientists.

A PhD in a relevant field and hands-on SAXS experience are required; Python proficiency for automation is highly valued.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a closely related field (Materials Science, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering).
• Hands-on SAXS data collection/analysis experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Python for instrument control and data analysis desired.

Responsibilities

• Develop, operate, and maintain autonomous beamline experimentation capabilities.
• Conduct SAXS/WAXS and XRF measurements at the APS 12-ID beamline.
• Design and execute synchrotron beamtime experiments and sample preparation.
• Develop data-analysis and automated workflows; report findings and publish.

Skills

Python programming

experimental skills

data analysis

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Job description

The X-ray Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Appointee to conduct fundamental and applied research in autonomous experimentation at a small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) beamline. Project Description Autonomous beamlines that integrate in-beamline synthesis and real-time characterization can accelerate materials discovery by enabling rapid feedback and closed-loop experimental workflows. This project will develop workflows and instrumentation for closed-loop experimentation at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) SAXS beamline, with an emphasis on wet-solution processes. Research topics of particular interest include critical-materials extraction and lipid nanoparticle assembly. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists and engineers at the APS and across other divisions at Argonne National Laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, operate, and maintain autonomous beamline experimentation capabilities, including a wet-chemistry synthesis platform.
• Conduct small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements at the APS 12-ID beamline.
• Develop and implement new experimental strategies, including in situ and operando measurements.
• Design, prepare, and execute synchrotron beamtime experiments, including preparation of sample solutions and experimental hardware.
• Develop experimental plans; perform experiments independently and collaboratively; and analyze, interpret, and report experimental data.
• Build and refine data-analysis, automation, and closed-loop decision-making workflows using Python and related tools.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present research findings in conference presentations, technical reports, and other scientific forums.
• Collaborate effectively with Argonne staff, users, and external research partners.

Position Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, completed within the past 0–5 years.
• Experience with solution-phase SAXS data collection and/or analysis.
• Strong hands-on experimental skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a laboratory environment.
• Experience planning, designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex experimental studies.
• Proficiency in Python programming for instrument control, data analysis, experimental automation, or autonomous discovery workflows.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare scientific publications and presentations.
• Demonstrated motivation for innovative basic and applied research, along with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Experience with SAXS/WAXS, XRF, or synchrotron-based characterization methods.
• Expertise in in situ or operando characterization.
• Background in solution chemistry, ionic solutions, biochemistry, or soft-matter systems.
• Experience with lipid nanoparticles, self-assembly, colloidal systems, or related solution-phase materials.
• Experience developing automated experiments, robotic synthesis platforms, active-learning workflows, or closed-loop materials discovery systems.
• Familiarity with lipid nanoparticle or critical-materials extraction, separation science, or related chemical-processing applications.

Job Family Postdoctoral Job Profile Postdoctoral Appointee Worker Type Long-Term (Fixed Term) Time Type Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation.

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